Nitrate TestingMy background in education and environmental causes provided me with insight on issues and concerns that many people rarely consider. We happen to be lucky enough to live in a city in which water and sewer services are provided. State and federal regulations require the water we get from these services to meet certain standards and are considered safe to consume. However, many rural residents in agricultural sectors of the country have reported high levels of nitrates in their well water. This has been a particular concern in Minnesota. (section A2) Excess nitrogen in drinking water can lead to restrictions in oxygen uptake in the bloodstream and possible result in a condition known as “blue baby syndrome”. Technology can help us determine if nitrate levels in your drinking water are high enough to be of concern or to seek official tests results from a certified lab. I use a Labquest by Vernier nitrate sensor to measure the level of nitrates in your well water. Levels approaching or higher than 10 mg/l will require further analysis but serve as a warning signal that your well water has high enough levels of nitrate to warrant further analysis. While this technology is commonly used in the field by colleges and universities for field work, the same technology can help you determine if additional testing is necessary.